Introducing: Zenith Expands The Defy Extreme Chroma Series With Two New Limited Editions

What We Know

The Zenith Defy collection, which first appeared in 1969, has long been where the brand explores new construction methods, movement layouts, and visual approaches. That continues with two new Defy Extreme Chroma limited editions, each made in 100 pieces and following the earlier Chroma releases from 2022 and 2023.

Both watches feature a 45mm titanium case paired with either black ceramic or white ceramic components. Each model measures 15.4mm thick with a 51mm lug-to-lug. One version is microblasted titanium with black ceramic elements, while the other combines brushed and polished titanium with white ceramic. Both use a sapphire dial and a screw down crown.

Timekeeping is powered by the El Primero 9004, which uses two escapements: one at 36,000 vph for timekeeping and another at 360,000 vph for the 1/100th-second chronograph. The movement has a 50-hour power reserve. Its bridges are coated in multiple colors, with a blue rotor on the black edition and a green rotor on the white edition.

Each watch includes three strap options: a rubber strap matching the case color, a titanium bracelet, and a black Velcro strap, all interchangeable through the quick-change system visible on the back side of the watch. 

Prices are $20,600 for both the titanium and black ceramic version with a black openworked dial, and the titanium and white ceramic version with a white openworked dial. They are limited to 100 each and are available now. 

What We Think

I appreciate the way these pieces organize their use of color. The spectrum across the movement and dial markings feels intentional rather than decorative, and the ceramic components give the layout a clean boundary that keeps everything readable. I can’t wear a 45mm watch, but for anyone who can, the combination of the 9004’s quality and the Chroma treatment delivers something that feels fun and distinctive within the Defy Extreme framework.

The Basics

Brand: Zenith
Model: Defy Extreme Chroma
Reference Number: 97.9113.9004/33.I200 (black) / 95.9114.9004/69.I203 (white)

Diameter: 45mm
Thickness: 15.4mm
Case Material: Titanium with black ceramic (97.9113.9004/33.I200) / Titanium with white ceramic (95.9114.9004/69.I203)
Dial Color: Black openworked / White openworked
Indexes: Rhodium-plated, faceted, coated with rainbow-color varnish
Water Resistance: 20 ATM
Strap/Bracelet: Rubber strap (black or white), titanium bracelet, black Velcro strap

The Movement

Caliber: El Primero 9004
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 36,000 vph (time) / 360,000 vph (chronograph)
Additional Details: Rainbow PVD-coated bridges; blue (black model) or green (white model) rotor

Pricing & Availability

Price: $20,600
Availability: Limited
Limited Edition: 100 pieces per model

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